The 2011 Trampoline and Tumbling Canada Cup marked another step up in the young careers of Brody Atkin and Hailey Macaig. Both made the transition from the provincial level and made their national debut in Airdrie.
“It was a really good experience in being really nervous, but being nervous helped. It made my routines better,” said Atkin.
It’s fitting that both are beginning their national careers at the same time. Atkin and Macaig started in the sport five years ago, and they’ve climbed up the ranks together ever since.
“We’ve moved up together and have performed almost the exact same routines,” said Atkin. “It’s good to have someone you know with you and someone to compete with. It pushes you farther.”
Both kept their expectations low coming into their first national competition, but they did better than the thought they would despite making a few mistakes.
“I didn’t come into the competition with any expectations,” said Macaig. “I was just trying to keep my nerves under control, but the trampoline (event) was really good. My optional was one of the best I’ve ever done.”
Adding to the experience of their first national event was the presence of international teams from across Europe, South America and Africa. They had the chance to train with the Danish national team a week prior to the start of the competition.
“Training with the team from Denmark was really nice,” said Macaig. “They’re very talented and I made new friends.”
While they’re only 14 and 15-years-old respectively and still in high school, Atkin and Macaig have made gymnastics a focal point in their lives. Their busy training schedules don’t leave much time to try other sports, but Atkin says that his favourite part of gymnastics is how it would help him in other sports if he had the chance to try them.
“It keeps you above the average fitness level that is required for most sports and it’s easy to transition to other sports,” he said.
For Macaig, her love of the sport lies within what drew her to it when she was younger.
“I’ve loved jumping ever since I was really little,” she said. “The feeling on the trampoline is thrilling and it’s a huge adrenaline rush.”
